Postpartum Mental Health: Beyond the Baby Blues

Bringing a new baby into the world is often described as one of the most joyful moments in a person’s life - but for many new mothers, it can also be one of the most challenging. While some mood changes are expected after childbirth, postpartum mental health conditions can significantly impact both parents and families if left unrecognized or untreated.

The Scope of Postpartum Mental Health

Many new mothers experience what’s commonly known as the “baby blues.” Research shows that about 80% of new mothers experience normal mood changes in the first few weeks after the baby arrives. These symptoms - such as tearfulness, irritability, and fatigue - are typically temporary. But for some, the feelings go deeper and last longer. Studies show that:

• At least 1 in 7 mothers experience serious depression or anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum.
  
  

• 1-2 out of every 1,000 mothers experience postpartum psychosis, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
  
  

• Postpartum struggles are not limited to mothers - 1 in 10 fathers also experience postpartum depression (PPD).
  

These numbers remind us that postpartum mental health is a family issue, not just a maternal one. Both parents can be affected, and both deserve understanding and support.

Why Awareness Matters

Despite how common these experiences are, stigma and misconceptions continue to silence many parents. Cultural narratives often pressure families to feel nothing but joy after birth, which can make it difficult to admit when something feels wrong. This silence can delay treatment, increasing the risk of worsening symptoms and affecting both parent and child.

Recognizing that postpartum mental health conditions are medical and psychological conditions, not personal failings, is the first step toward breaking down barriers to care. Early screening, compassionate conversations, and access to specialized providers can save lives.

How a Therapist with Perinatal Training Can Help

Not all therapy is the same, and when it comes to the postpartum period, having a therapist who is specially trained in perinatal psychology can make a world of difference. General therapy knowledge is valuable, but perinatal training goes a step further by focusing on the unique ways pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience affect mental health. A therapist with additional training in somatic therapy can provide even deeper support, helping clients process the physical and emotional impacts of birth and postpartum through body-based techniques that restore balance and regulation.

A therapist with this expertise understands that postpartum struggles are not “one size fits all.” They can:

• Recognize how hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and birth experiences impact emotional and physical well-being.
  
  

• Identify the full spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), which often look different from typical depression or anxiety.
  
  

• Provide treatment options that are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when medication and therapy choices may require extra care.
  
  

• Spot risk factors early, such as a history of mental health conditions, lack of support, or a difficult birth, that might make someone more vulnerable.
  
  

• Involve partners, grandparents, and other loved ones so the whole family can be part of the healing process.
  
  

• Use somatic techniques to gently release stored tension or trauma in the body, helping parents regulate their nervous systems and feel more grounded in the present.
  
  

When a therapist is trained in both perinatal mental health and somatic therapy, they see the whole picture - mind, body, and environment - not just isolated symptoms. This kind of specialized, integrative care ensures parents receive the understanding, validation, and effective treatment they truly need during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.

Supporting Mothers Through Specialized Care

Postpartum challenges can feel overwhelming, and you deserve care from someone who understands the complexities of this season. I’m Leticia Tye, a licensed therapist in California and Florida, certified in somatic therapy and pursuing advanced training in perinatal mental health. I offer virtual sessions for clients in Orlando, Westlake Village, Los Angeles, and beyond.

My approach blends trauma-informed care with perinatal expertise to create a safe, supportive space where your experiences are heard and validated. Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan that honors your strengths, addresses the impact of pregnancy and birth, and supports you through the transition into parenthood.

Postpartum mental health struggles are real - and recovery is possible. At Another Day Psychology, we believe healing starts with a single step. Call (818) 724-8820 to set up a free consultation, and start your journey toward emotional wellness.